The Low Carbon Economy Ltd

Kevin McCloud: Govt green targets lack detail

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has spoken out to say the government must provide more detail with regard to its energy efficiency targets.

Mr McCloud said the 2016 target for zero-carbon homes has "utterly transformed" the market for building supplies, as it is a legislative requirement, much like the target for an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

"Once industry knows they are legislative requirements, industry can then respond," he said.

However, the designer went on to highlight the lack of precise information included within initiatives, claiming: "This government isn't strong on the detail on targets."

"The one thing inventors and manufacturers do not like when they're asked to design and develop a product is vagueness," Mr McCloud added.

Changes to the government's 2016 zero-carbon homes target have previously been criticised by the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC), which slammed the decision that new homes will not have to source their energy from low carbon sources.

Paul King, chief executive of the UK-GBC, said the decision would lead to a "loss of confidence leading to lower investment, less innovation, fewer green jobs and fewer carbon reductions".